Audi introduces new model naming system

Audi is adopting a new naming structure across its range, in which model designations will be linked to power output rather than engine capacity.

The German firm says the move will allow future models to reflect the added performance delivered by electric-powered hybrid systems and/or pure electric powertrains, such as that being developed for the company’s 2018 E-tron SUV.

Comment: trying to decipher Audi's new model naming system

The new naming process groups together models on a scale that runs from 30 to 70, with 30 being models having a power output between 107bhp and 127bhp and 70 being reserved for models packing more than 529bhp.

The names increase in an increment of five depending on the output of any specific model. As an example, the Audi Q2 1.6 TDI will become the Q2 30 TDI. 

This initially creates eight new model designations:

- 30 for models with between 81 and 96kW (107 and 127bhp)

- 35 for models with between 110 and 120kW (145 and 159bhp)

- 40 for models with between 125 and 150kW (165 and 198bhp)

- 45 for models with between 169 and 185kW (223 and 244bhp)

- 50 for models with between 210 and 230kW (278 and 304bhp)

- 60 for models with between 320 and 340kW (423 and 449bhp)

- 70 for models with more than 400kW (529bhp)

The designation of each model is linked directly to the output of the driveline, irrespective of its layout. The new names will apply to all standard Audi models, meaning that petrol, diesel, natural gas, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrain models will be directly comparable.  

Dietmar Voggenreiter, Audi's head of sales and marketing, said: “As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels.”

The roll out of Audi’s new models is set to begin during the third quarter of 2017 with the new A8: the traditional 3.0 TDI diesel will become the 50 TDI, and the 3.0 TFSI petrol will now be named the 55 TFSI. The parameters of 55 models are yet to be confirmed, but are believed to be for cars between 245 and 275 kW (328 and 468bhp).

The new Audi names will only apply to standard models, with S and RS models and the Audi R8 retaining their classic names "in reference to their top position in the model range”.